Singer tuned to enterprise

LEADING Scottish singer/songwriter Carol Laula knows how nerve- wracking it can be when it comes to applying for financial assistance to launch a career.

Before she released her first single over a decade ago, Laula needed loans and grants to help her make progress in the tough, competitive music business.

Now the Paisley artist, so appreciative of the help she got in her early recording days, is in tune with aspiring young business people, helping them in her new role as an adviser with the charity, the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust, and Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire.

Laula sits on a PSYBT investment panel assessing business plans and applications for financial assistance from a variety of applicants, including young musicians. She also acts as a care adviser to a number of new companies that are trying to establish themselves in various marketplaces.

Laula, who has just completed a UK-wide tour and is planning to record an album of cover versions this summer, said: "Being a musician is also about running your own business and when I started out I was really unsure how I could arrange or find some financial assistance.

"It was sweaty palms time but I managed to get loans and grants and it made all the difference to me as it helped me get my records on to the shelves for people to buy. Through Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire and the PSYBT I can help out in some way and put back in what I have learned over the years.

"The young people now coming forward are enthusiastic and full of ideas so being able to help, advise and give guidance is just great. I am really happy to be involved and help in whatever way I can."

One of the companies Laula is speaking with is Paisley-based Splash Productions, a high-tech complex providing a range of musical services from 64-track digital recording, backing music, tuition, advertising jingles and rehearsal space.

Iain MacKinnon and Mark Andrew are the partners in the newly- established business in Paisley's Broomlands Street and are delighted with the progress made so far.

"It's great that someone like Carol Laula, who knows the music industry so well, is prepared to offer help in this way," said MacKinnon.

"We got a loan from the PSYBT at the outset so that helped us get started.

"Rest assured, we'll be picking Carol Laula's brains as we go along."

Pauline Bell, PSYBT regional manager for Renfrewshire, is pleased that Laula has agreed to be an aftercare adviser and also to sit on investment panels for assessing young people's business ideas.

"Carol said she wanted to help as she knew how much it meant to herself as a young musician seeking support and guidance a few years ago," said Bell.

"We appreciate her giving her time and her expertise in this way."

Copyright 2003 SMG Sunday Newspapers Ltd.
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